Prostatectomy Rehabilitation and Pelvic Physiotherapy

Prostate Cancer Recovery: How Pelvic Physiotherapy Supports You

Understanding incontinence and sexual dysfunction after prostatectomy — and how we help at Brisbane Pelvic Physiotherapy

Prostate cancer treatment can be life‑saving — but it often comes with physical side effects that impact daily life, confidence, and wellbeing. The two most common complications after prostatectomy are:

• Urinary incontinence

• Sexual dysfunction

At Brisbane Pelvic Physiotherapy, we focus on helping men navigate these challenges with clarity, evidence‑based care, and real‑time feedback.

🧠 Why These Side Effects Happen

After prostatectomy:

• The internal urethral sphincter is removed

• The pelvic floor muscles — especially the external urethral sphincter — must take over continence control

• Nerve pathways involved in erection and bladder control may be disrupted

• Muscle coordination and reflexes often become impaired

These changes can lead to leakage, urgency, erectile difficulties, and reduced confidence in movement and intimacy.

🩺 What We Do at Your Initial Appointment

Your first session is designed to give you clarity and control. We use:

Perineal Real‑Time Ultrasound

This non‑invasive scan allows us to:

• Visualise your pelvic floor muscles in action

• Check if you're activating the external urethral sphincter correctly

• Identify common compensation patterns or incorrect techniques

It’s surprisingly easy to get this contraction wrong — and real‑time ultrasound gives you immediate feedback so you can learn the correct movement with confidence.

Pre‑operative Protocol

If you’re preparing for surgery, we’ll guide you through:

• A tailored pre‑op exercise program to strengthen and coordinate your pelvic floor

• Education about what to expect post‑surgery

• Strategies to support continence and sexual function recovery

Evidence shows that men who engage in prehab recover faster and more fully.

🔄 Post‑operative Rehabilitation

After surgery, we support you through every stage of recovery:

• Re‑engaging the pelvic floor safely

• Building strength and reflexive control

• Managing urgency and leakage

• Optimising sexual function through pelvic rehabilitation

• Helping you return to work, exercise, and intimacy with confidence

🌱 You’re Not Alone

Recovery after prostate cancer is a journey — and pelvic physiotherapy can make a profound difference. At Brisbane Pelvic Physiotherapy, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to help you regain control, comfort, and confidence.